Legendary Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt and UAE-based businessman Sir Sohan Roy acquire Harare Hurricanes team in the Zim Afro T10 set to commence from July 20

By K.R. Nayar

Zim Afro T10, following the world’s first professional ten over format league, which was born in the UAE as visualized by Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk in 2017, begins its journey in Harare from July 20. The first edition will conclude with a grand final on July 29. Five teams filled with the cream of limited over cricketers will aim to be the first champions.

 

Sanjay Dutt 

The latest announcement from Zimbabwe Cricket is that Harare Hurricanes, one of the five teams in the contest, has been acquired by the legendary Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt along with UAE based businessman Sir Sohan Roy of Aries group. The other four teams are Durban Qalandars, CapeTown Samp Army, Bulawayo Braves and the Joburg Lions.

 

Sanjay Dutt, who has dazzled in Bollywood, winning several accolades from his career spanning over four decades, is a keen a keen follower of cricket. He has often been spotted during the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and had once even expressed his support for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Dutt becoming the co-owner of one of the five teams has added to the glamour of Zim Afro T10. Hailing from the Dutt family as son of the legendary Bollywood stars Sunil Dutt and Nagris , Sanjay Dutt has enthralled film lovers with his stupendous action in movies like Vaastav and in the Munnabhai series.

 

Sir Sohan Roy 

Sir Sohan Roy, is Founder, Chairman and CEO of the Aries Group of Companies. A multitalented person, Roy is a well-known film director, poet and an author. He was bestowed with Knighthood of Parte Guelfa, thus becoming first Indian to be awarded with this award. His journey has been successful after commencing his career as a naval architect and marine engineer. These two successful people are expected to guide Harare Hurricanes to a hurricane of successes in this tournament.

 

Givemore Makoni

The player’s draft is scheduled to take place on July 2 at a grand ceremony in Harare. Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Mr. Givemore Makoni, commenting on the co-owners of Harare Hurricanes, said: “To see some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry throw their weight behind the Zim Afro T10 gives me immense pleasure, and tells me that the tournament is being well received. Now, all that is left is that the Harare Hurricanes put in a brilliant showing in the tournament next month.”

 

Sanjay Dutt commented on the reason behind his foray into cricket by becoming co-owner of one of the teams in the fastest growing and popular T10 format. “Cricket is like a religion in India, and as one of the biggest nations in the sport, I feel it is our duty to take the game to every corner of the world. Zimbabwe has a rich history in the sport and to associate with that and help fans have a great time is something that truly gives me joy. I am looking forward to the Harare Hurricanes doing really well at the Zim Afro T10,” remarked Dutt. 

 

Sohan Roy too expressed his view as to why he has stepped forward to be a co-owner of a team in this tournament in Zimbabwe that is following the T10 format, something that has been well received ever since its inception. “I am delighted to work with Sanjay Dutt as we form our team called Harare Hurricanes at the Zim Afro T10. It is the most entertaining and enterprising format in the sport and this association is a chance to realise a childhood dream. May the best team win at the Zim Afro T10,” said Roy.

 

 Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk

T Ten Global Sports Founder and Chairman Mr. Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk strongly believes that the T10 format will be played in every country and get more popular over the years and may even reach the Olympics. He said: “Sohan Roy and Sanjay Dutt coming together is a dream partnership for me, and I am extremely happy that they have chosen the Zim Afro T10 to begin their cricketing journey. Both, Sohan and Sanjay, are very dynamic and great leaders, and I am sure that their team, Harare Hurricanes, will display those characteristics at the Zim Afro T10.”